Vegas: Waterfalls and Sunsets

Broad swathes of taupe and greige paint a stark contrast to the vibrant shades of periwinkle, pink and fuschia that tend to dominate the desert landscape as the sun continues its timeless crawl behind the sanctuary of the mountains dotting the horizon. In the city, jutting angles of cement arch out with neon bedazzling, trying to strike their own eminent pose over the archaic landscape. Sunrise and sunset are both outlandishly beautiful here in Vegas, likely due in large part to the extensive views and visibility offered by the sparsely shrubbed landscape. Just like most all other ecosystems existing on our planet currently, water is the single most important lifeblood of the carbon-based lifeforms proliferating the region, be they human, animal or shrub. The Las Vegas strip itself is a glittering bastion of hydration and pomp, offering both stunning views of our horizontal changes throughout the day along with exceptional water-fixtures freely splashing their wares for the enjoyment of all who walk by. 

It should go without saying by this point in my blog (and, say, our existence as conscious semi-responsible beings with ready access to the internet and all its veritable informational and educational resources) that water is a rarified resource here. As the city continues its quest for relentlessly growth and prosperity, the resources we currently have at our disposal (the Colorado river and Lake Mead, foremost) are going to become more and more tightly stretched, as they're already being shared between growing communities throughout Southern Nevada, Southern California and Arizona. There is, of course, something to be said for the predictably sunny and warm weather we have here, which attracts many people sick of the seasonal shifts and cold (or otherwise inclement) weather of back home, so despite the stretches to our reserves I foresee no slowing in the settlement. The economy should boom, with lots of eager workers moving in from other regions, and all the new infrastructure going in currently to support the Raiders and other entertainments popping up around their installation. For now, the water flows abundantly. 

All the photos in this post were provided by Antho! Thanks babe!

Vegas: Lights and water at night

When the sun slips behind the oily veil of the Vegas valley horizon and ceases it's nearly relentless assault on the pavement and asphalt, cement and glass, that makeup all the city structures and public spaces of Las Vegas and the withered and dehydrated denizens begin to stir and scurry from their slumbers, life begins to trickle out from under the rocks it had sought shelter from to survive the onslaught of sizzling sunlight. As the shadows spread and darkness tries to overtake the alleys and streets, the neon signs flashback in the ever-lasting battle between light and dark. Life resumes and the palpable excitement mixes with inebriation and a safe distance from normal life to bring out the wildest of wild-sides. The streets fill to teeming, swarms of pedestrians flooding into any available spaces regardless of the crossing lights or traffic around them. Fights break out between sweaty, beer-fisted bros as testosterone rages through their thick, desert-adverse blood and the heat brings tempers to a head. 

Pulses patter out irregular tempos and swishy legs stumble as the night blusters onward, as unstoppable as time itself. 

As the bacchanal begins, fluids in a variety of forms, viscosities, and repulsiveness flow freely through the streets. Sometimes that gentle mist is from the Bellagio fountains blowing you a sweet kiss to the tune of Sinatra, sometimes it's the puddle of neon-tinged daiquiri vomit pooling next to a sobbing girl, her unintelligible monologue surely a tale of true human tragedy and sorrow if you could only understand her through the hiccups and wretches. There's no shortage of stories forming, trepidatious icebergs trying to crystallize out of the foggy mists of alcohol and drug-fueled chaos. A moment you'll never remember, and a night you'll never forget!

Every night in life is a choose your own adventure, but in the city of Las Vegas your options are certainly more varied. Whether you prefer to linger in crowded areas and people watch, or try to sneak off to a quiet area near the tinkling tones of a soothing fountain is up to you. Soar above the streets on a zip line or visit one of the many totally legal weed dispensaries and get legally lit- somewhere. Due to casinos being federally regulated by the gaming board, smoking that fresh new joint you picked up isn't actually allowed in your hotel room, though. The stink of the pungent weed is pretty readily found wandering the streets and alleys near the boulevard, unsurprisingly. Just relax, man, and sip your beer. Enjoy the view. 

Photos in this post were taken by Antho Jay!